Postdoc in Genetics and Genomics

Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena

The Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena is a federal and state government-funded research institute and member of the Leibniz Association (Leibniz-Gemeinschaft). FLI's internationally visible and highly competitive research is focused on understanding the mechanisms of aging and associated age-related diseases. Scientists from over 40 countries are currently investigating the molecular mechanisms of aging and the occurrence of age-related diseases. Our aim is to create the basis for new approaches in medicine as a way to improve the health of the elderly.

Research focus of the Lab

The Valenzano Lab is dedicated to unraveling the complex interplay between genetic and ecological factors that underlie survival and aging. Their research encompasses evolutionary ecology and immune system-microbiome interactions during the aging process. This multidisciplinary research involves genetic mapping, comparative genomics, population genetics, cell culture, transgenesis, and numerical simulations.

Tasks and Challenges

The candidate will lead research into the evolution of life history traits in Killifish, with a strong emphasis on extreme longevity. Leveraging our group's past work, which dissected adaptive and neutral forces in Killifish life history trait evolution, the Postdoctoral Researcher will conduct in-depth genomic and proteomic analyses. They will develop and test models explaining extreme longevity in Turquoise Killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri). A multidisciplinary approach, merging population genetics, statistical genetics, genomics, evolutionary ecology, data science, and physics, will be essential. The role requires independent scientific exploration, meticulous planning, and effective communication, including advanced data analysis. This work takes place at FLI in Jena, Germany, supported by expert animal care takers, technicians, and top-tier research and animal facilities.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biology, Life Science, Biomedicine, or a related field with a strong background in population genetics, statistical genetics, genomics, evolutionary ecology, data science, and/or physics.
• Genuine interest in pursuing an independent academic career and a passion for unraveling the genetic mechanisms underlying extreme longevity.
• Expertise in the analysis of large-scale genomic and proteomics datasets.
• Excellent skills in data analysis, statistical modeling, and computational biology.
• A track record of publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent spoken and written English skills.

We offer

By joining FLI, you will become part of a world-leading research institute dedicated to the biology of aging. The Valenzano Lab is at the forefront of researching the evolution of extreme longevity phenotypes, and your contributions will shape our understanding of life history trait evolution in Turquoise Killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri). Access to multiple state-of-the-art facilities. Our work is embedded in the Beutenberg Campus, an interdisciplinary base for innovative research. A position integrated in the FLI PostDoc Network. The Network promotes interdisciplinary collaborations involving clinician scientists, basic scientists, and bioinformaticians and supports career development and postdoctoral training courses. The contract conditions and the salary will be according to the collective labour agreement for public service employees of the federal states of Germany (TV-L E13) for 2 years initially, with the possibility of extension. Flexible working time, a family-friendly working environment that provides a healthy work-life balance, company health management including support for child care solutions and dual career options. We provide support with various qualification and further training opportunities, use of the Haufe knowledge databases and the Haufe learning platform with numerous different online courses.

Application

Please apply online through the FLI application portal by 15.10.2023 and provide a cover letter, your CV, your degrees and the names and contacts of up to 4 referees. Applications will be analyzed regarding skills, competences and qualifications. All qualified persons, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity or other classification protected by law will receive consideration for employment.